BRANTINGHAM, NY – Douglas John Purcell, 77, of Brantingham Road, passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica with his family by his side.
Born July 29, 1941 in Croghan, NY, a son of the late Robert J. and Catherine Beaton Purcell, he graduated from Father Leo Memorial School in 1959, and worked for Climax Manufacturing in Castorland.
On Aug. 4, 1962, he married Muriel M. Brouty at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Indian River, NY.
Doug worked for his uncle at Beaton Construction for a year. The couple then moved from Barneveld, NY to Toledo, OH, where he worked as a Class A Machinist for Gulf States Manufacturing. Then he and his family moved to Connecticut in 1965 where he continued his work as a machine troubleshooter until 1977. The family then moved to Turin, NY where together with his wife the couple owned and operated the 1882 Country Barn, selling antiques and groceries. In 1992, the couple moved to Brantingham as their permanent home.
Doug had a passion for Volkswagen Bugs, and owned many. He also enjoyed collecting Native American art, and riding his bicycle. Together with his wife, they enjoyed snowmobiling for many years and traveling with his family.
Doug enjoyed escaping the cold north country winters, and spending time with his Florida friends in Kissimmee, FL. Most of all, Doug cherished his time spent with his family.
Surviving are his wife of over 56 years, Muriel; a son and his wife, Timothy and Tami Purcell of Lenoir City, TN; a daughter and her husband, Aimee and Kevin Cousin of Verbank, NY; two grandchildren, Colleen Purcell of Binghamton, NY; Taylor Ann Purcell of Lenoir City, TN; his siblings, Robert Purcell of Belfort, NY; Mary Ann Wright of Ave Maria, FL; Kathleen Hoch of New Jersey; Lenna Schack of Kirkwood, PA; nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Purcell.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Doug’s family extends its sincere and utmost gratitude to those who have donated the gift of blood and platelets, which helped him survive while he continued to battle his disease. The family would like to thank Dr. Vora and his team; Dr. Ramovic-Zobic and her team; and the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital. A special thanks to Kristi from the Vascular Team at St. Luke’s.
In Doug’s memory please consider a donation of blood or platelets to the American Red Cross, so that others can benefit from your gift.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com
